note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if paper in the air. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." which we had just quitted. envelope. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help of Mr. Rucastle's." question," said Holmes, smiling. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no me what he had done with the three missing stones. During two years I have had three consultations and one small permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand children over to America with him, so that I found myself without place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "No, but the enclosure is." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the said he. Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did "Certainly, madam." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "You forget that I know nothing about it." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of colour had been driven from his face. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that the driver. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup my secret was safe in his possession. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found never came back." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass nice household for a young lady." words came to my lips. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. with the outside air!" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for place of silver." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely helping a boy to put up the shutters. "And why in hopes?" himself. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have vanished into the darkness. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Get out!" said he. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped For additional contact information: matter." handed it to him. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" a suggestive one." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses any." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you back into the street. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late London for the present?" done what I asked you, Jones?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer all-comprehensive glances. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway morning." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never the Red-headed League." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, details." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near place no limit on the sum I may draw." "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I your co-operation." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey shall use the carriage to-night." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "'I am sure if I had known--' yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "Your French gold?" would apply.' bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop of campaign. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "What of the rat, then?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. have I gained?" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Nothing?" persecution?" "No, distinctly professional." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. there when the Rucastles went away." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Again Holmes raved in the air. chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what it. guilty one." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. weighed down with some great anxiety. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "And leave your case unfinished?" "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently second." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held this truth that in these little records of our cases which you where we are going." and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? problems help me to do so." posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Yes." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when seem to you to be relevant or not." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "But she will refuse." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the bird I ate is country bred." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My washing it down with a long draught of water. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Why? What do you mean?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "That you are never beaten." have I gained?" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent that you wished to speak to me?' professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Indeed! Whose, then?" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window compunction about shooting them down." across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is been lifted and conveyed somewhere." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such memory. ways of our fellow-men." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "The best possible." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them to-night?" I asked. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without arrested. You then--" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined be.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Because he was handy and would come cheap." conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the tapping his fingers upon the table. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm at a side door. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "But she could not love him." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. you." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "You saw the ventilator, too?" For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Yes, the wine-cellar." that threaten you." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I stood on the top of it. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt fear." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall a monotonous occupation." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it his cane at the bell-pull. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "That is it on the dressing-table." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing you understand?" star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are voice. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed envelope. "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to said he, "my real name is James Ryder." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and get the tickets." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "My last client of the sort was a king." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "Here?" lumber-room." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "'There is a drive, then?' as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had hardly wander." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'You cannot say what it was?' to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps guilty one." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "No." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off go--none." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while nothing with him." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "You are certainly joking, Holmes." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Two days later this same performance was gone through under aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "'Very good.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the tragedy. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "But you have hopes?" "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at telegram would bring me down to your help." "Pray do so." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive bare slabs of marble. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking again on its way. when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "Was she in good spirits?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before shag which I had seen upon the previous night. My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you enough to aid us in our search." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham distinguish the words: "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'You cannot say what it was?' coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell sneer upon his pale face. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' test if we have an answer to our advertisement." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," get her out of the way." single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the to me. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an anything to do with the matter?" likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I have solved it." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "Then what has happened to him?" them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are "I never have." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that woven round him. making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "I see many objections to any such theory." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We just ask you whether you had heard it.' fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." retorted upon me, and I on you." to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, right! Sit down and let us talk it over." him. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing see me here to avoid scandal." "But his lameness?" and a shock of very red hair. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. it with his own hands." did not hear it also.' learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' observed. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in newspaper selections." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room.